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White House praises Biden amid speculation on 2016 bid

As President Obama and Vice President Biden had lunch on Monday afternoon, the White House did not exactly throw cold water on the idea of a bid for the Democratic nomination for President by Biden, as speculation mounted in Washington over whether the Veep would get into the 2016 race.

“The President has indicated his view that the decision he made, seven years ago now, to add Joe Biden to the ticket as his running mate was the smartest decision that he had ever made in politics,” spokesman Josh Earnest said at the White House.

That line drew immediate reaction in political circles.

You have to wonder how Hillary reacted when Obama's spokesman said Biden, not HRC, was POTUS's best pick. Ouch!

While Earnest wasn’t delivering an endorsement, his praise of Biden in public seemed notable.

“I think you could make the case that there is probably no one in American politics today who has a better understanding of exactly what is required to mount a successful national political campaign,” Earnest added.

In a briefing with reporters, Earnest didn’t tip his hand on whether the President wants Biden to get in the race, currently dominated by Mr. Obama’s former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

“I haven’t asked the President that question,” as Earnest held out the possibility that Mr. Obama could insert himself into the race, and endorse one of the Democratic primary hopefuls.

Also of interest to many here in Washington, D.C., the weekend meeting between Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).